What is the Christian understanding of peace, as mentioned in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," represents a holistic sense of well-being and harmony. It conveys the idea of completeness, prosperity, and the absence of conflict.
The concept of peace holds significant theological and spiritual importance in the Christian faith, as exemplified in the teachings of the Bible. Throughout the scriptures, the Christian understanding of peace is multifaceted, encompassing both inner tranquility and harmonious relationships with others and with God.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," represents a holistic sense of well-being and harmony. It conveys the idea of completeness, prosperity, and the absence of conflict. The prophet Isaiah describes a future of peace, where "the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat... They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:6, 9, NIV). This vision of peace encompasses not only the absence of violence but also the restoration of creation to its intended state of harmony.
In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize the spiritual dimension of peace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9, NIV). This beatitude underscores the active role of believers in promoting peace and reconciliation, reflecting the character of God as the ultimate source of peace. Furthermore, the apostle Paul writes about the peace that surpasses understanding, which comes from God and guards the hearts and minds of those who trust in Him (Philippians 4:7).
The Christian understanding of peace also extends to the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul describes Jesus as the one who "himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility... His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace" (Ephesians 2:14-15, NIV). This concept of peace emphasizes the redemptive and unifying power of Christ's sacrifice, bringing reconciliation between humanity and God and among diverse communities.
Moreover, the call to pursue peace is a recurring theme in the New Testament epistles. The apostle Peter exhorts believers to "seek peace and pursue it" (1 Peter 3:11, NIV), highlighting the active and intentional nature of promoting peace in personal conduct and relationships. Additionally, the apostle James emphasizes the connection between wisdom from above and the fruit of righteousness that is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18).